Republican News · Thursday 14 February 2002

RUC/PSNI accused

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerard Brophy has lodged an official complaint with the Police Ombudsman after the RUC/PSNI formally cautioned him for riotous behaviour. Brophy described the charge against him as a dangerous and malicious political stunt.

The charges arise out of disturbances at the junction of North Queens Street and the loyalist Tigers Bay one night last November.

"I remember quite clearly the night in question," says Gerard, "I was wakened out of my sleep to come down because loyalists were attacking houses on North Queens Street. I have been out on the interface areas trying to stop trouble for the past year. In no way did I do anything that could be remotely construed as riotous behaviour."

Gerard accuses the RUC/PSNI of engaging in a campaign both to discredit himself and his political party. "The charges are a disgrace, the RUC are doing this to discredit my name and the name of Sinn Féin." Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly also dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

Meanwhile, West Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Sue Ramsey has criticised the PSNI after raids on two homes in the Lagmore and Poleglass area on 5 February left one man in hospital with a suspected fractured arm.

"One of those whose house was raided has since been taken to hospital with a suspected fractured arm after being attacked by members of the PSNI," said Ramsey. "As far as I am aware no charges have been placed against either of the two men whose homes were raided."